Boston Bruins v Washington Capitals

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Alex Ovechkin #8 of the Washington Capitals skates to the penalty box after being called for charging during the third period against the Boston Bruins at Verizon Center on March 29, 2014 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Washington Capitals were down 3-1 in the third period against the Boston Bruins on Saturday, but momentum had shifted. They had jump. They had puck possession. They had what appeared to be a chance to rally in a critical home game for their playoff chances.

His coach disagreed with the call, but said his special teams needed to prevent it from hurting the Capitals’ momentum.

“Terrible,” said Adam Oates. “But it doesn’t change the game. It’s a call at the referee’s discretion. I don’t agree with it. But we have to kill it.”

The Capitals remained stuck on 80 points with eight games remaining, and travel to Nashville on Sunday. They’re currently in ninth place and could drop to 10th if the Toronto Maple Leafs get a point against Detroit.

The Bruins, meanwhile, now have 108 points and moved back ahead of St. Louis for the Presidents’ Trophy. The Blues host the Dallas Stars on Saturday.